BACKGROUND

 

The Network was established in November 2003 when 10 European Regions signed a joint declaration at the European Parliament to safeguard their agriculture policies (mainly based on the support to high quality, typical and low impact productions) which can be disrupted by an introdoction of GMOs. The Network is based on a political agreement with no binding juridical status. The action of the Network is based on principles formally laid down on February 2005 in Florence during the Network's 3rd Conference with the subscription of a joint document called "Charter of Florence".

Currently the Network is composed by 51 European Regions and Local Authorities of regional level.

 

MISSION

 

The main target of the Network is the introduction of a juridical status of GMO-free areas in the European legislative framework. Nowadays this status is impossible to reach by means of national, regional or local legislative provisions.

 

This target emerged to protect the reputation and the appreciation on the market of the regional agri-food productions after years of regional policies aimed at improve and protect the quality and at reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. Policies that the European Union strongly supported and support with its programmes and funds.

 

In order to reach the target, the Network is working on different themes related to GMOs. For this reason the activity is based mainly on specific Working Groups.

 

The mission is not easy to reach even due to an international framework of agreements (under the WTO) which seems more oriented to protect commodities and intellectual properties than local and regional productions and economies.

 

 

Download the Network's brochure.